MOVES by the UK government to introduce grants of up to £150,000 to help communities generate their own electricity should be adopted in Northern Ireland, a local couple say.

Deirdre and Mark Ferran, who have just adopted solar PV panels themselves, believe the move would be a ‘great idea’ to support scores of communities looking to save cash.

They were speaking as Ed Davey, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate, announced a £10million Urban Community Energy Fund to expand the number and size of community renewable energy projects across the UK. However, the scheme will not be available to projects in Northern Ireland.

Mr and Mrs Ferran, who had an Amber Green 6.5kW Q-Cell solar PV system installed on stables at their Saintfield home in November 2013, said they would love to see the scheme adopted in NI.

Mrs Ferran said: “I heard about the UK grants on the news. I think it is a great idea. I don’t see why they can’t do it over here too. If projects can utilise their roof spaces and save electricity, why not?”

Mr and Mrs Ferran are now waiting to see how much they have saved with their own Q-Cell installation, which they opted for on the recommendation of friends.

Mrs Ferran added: “We have a lot of space at the back of the stables so decided to utilise it by installing solar PV panels as it is south facing. Our energy bills are not that high, it is only the two of us at home now, so it was a combination of saving a little more on our bills and helping the environment. Electricity is not going to get any cheaper, in fact all fuel is expensive.”

The couple also made sure they had their solar PV panels installed before NIE brings in new rules on March 1 to limit connections for renewable technology installations.

From that date, home-owners and businesses looking to turn ‘green’ with solar PV will have to install smaller systems. Currently, it is possible for homeowners to install up to a 6.5kW system for a single installation and 20kW for a larger, three-phase installation. But once new limits are introduced, homeowners will only be able to install 3.68kW systems while larger premises will be limited to 11.04kW.

Noel Gallagher, director of Amber Green Solar, said: “Home owners like Mr and Mrs Ferran know the importance of being in control of their fuel costs and by adopting solar pv they are on their way to saving money and generating an income. Amber Green is about giving people the solutions to control their bills and no longer to pay rising energy prices.”

If you would like to find out more about Amber Green Solar, call us today FREEPHONE on 0800 122 3838.

For more Government news on the Renewable Obligation Certificate visit www.detni.gov.uk

ENDS:

Notes To Editor:

AmberGreen is a trusted market leader in sustainable energy in N Ireland for small and mid sized solar, wind and heat solutions. Providing a complete service, from consultancy through to sourcing, installation and after-care, the company uses only proven technologies, ensuring excellent returns on investments from sustainable power and heat generation. AmberGreen helps clients navigate green energy legislation and access to the financial support measures that exist. AmberGreen is proud to be putting control back into the hands of homes and businesses across the country to address and future-proof rising energy costs.

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Stage Two of the AmberGreen Energy Tour of Ulster has been called off today as cyclists battled their way through snow, sleet and high winds.

Organiser Garry Nugent said calling off the gruelling road race was the right thing to do in the interests of safety. The race, which is Ireland’s longest established road race, has attracted teams from Australia, Holland, Belgium, England, Scotland and from the north and south of Ireland. Here’s the full story from today:

Today marks Stage 2 of the AmberGreen Energy Tour of Ulster after Damien Shaw won last night’s gruelling climb up Stormont’s avenue at the time trial.

Crowds gathered last night for Stage 1, sponsored by Homecare Independent Living, to watch elite cyclists from across Europe compete for the coveted pink jersey, sponsored by AmberGreen Energy. The cyclists have departed from Belfast and are now on the road to Newry via the beautiful Spelga Dam, Mournes and Warrenpoint.

Testimonial

MGMPR Ltd was appointed to do the PR for the Tour of Ulster 2015 cycling race which took place over the May Bank Holiday Weekend.

The event attracted almost 150 elite cyclists from across the globe. In spite of the heavy rain and strong winds calling off the race on the second day – the event was a huge success and gained fantastic coverage in advance of the race, during the event and after the event.

Due to the adverse weather conditions, our team were totally on top of the story all weekend for our colleagues in the media so journalists could report the most up-to-date and relevant information. As soon as anything happened – journalists knew about it!

Denise Watson, a sports journalist for UTV, U105 and the News Letter, very kindly shared these kind words with us.

“My first contact with Eleanor McGillie was for the Tour of Ulster cycle race in 2015. She took over the PR of the event this year and it was very useful as a Sports Journalist to have someone to call and email regarding times and stage results.

“In the past, for TV and radio bulletins, I was scrambling around websites and social media hoping that the information was correct as it’s vital that my scripts are accurate. From the start of this year’s event, I had Eleanor and her team to call upon when I had a question.

“She was courteous and nothing was too much trouble. But the most impressive element for me was how she understood my job as a journalist. I have encountered PR companies who are driven by their agenda. Eleanor patiently asked me what my needs were and understood how vital it was for me to get up to date and accurate information.

“I believe it’s because she is a trained and experienced journalist herself. I look forward to working with her on future events.” Denise Watson, UTV /U105/News Letter Sports Journalist.

If you would like to discuss PR opportunities with MGMPR Ltd call our offices in Caledon, Co Tyrone on 028 3756 9569. We would be delighted to hear from you.

About MGMPR

MGMPR was set up by Director Eleanor McGillie who has been working in the media and public relations industry for 20 years as a journalist, news editor and editor working in print, broadcast and digital media.